Postgraduate Certificates in Physiotherapy –  Overview

Postgraduate Certificates in Physiotherapy are the equivalent of single semester programs for qualified physiotherapists to gain advanced theoretical and practical skills in specialised fields of practice.

Some subjects in the Postgraduate Certificate courses are offered in a two week intensive teaching block, while others are available via weekly classes. A subject which is taught in an intensive block will have assignments and clinical practice placements completed over the remainder of the semester.

The availability of specific streams of the Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy in any year is dependent on minimum numbers of students enrolling. Some Postgraduate Certificates are only offered every two (2) years.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be qualified to practise as physiotherapists, and should normally have at least two years clinical experience, with at least one year in the area of specialisation. Both academic achievement and clinical experience will be considered by the Selection Committee.

Course Structure

The Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy consists of a core subject, Physiotherapy Professional Portfolio which is met at the application stage, and two (2) specialist subjects. Students must complete all three (3) subjects to be eligible to graduate.

Physiotherapy Professional Portfolio

Physiotherapy Professional Portfolio is the core subject, and is completed as part of the application process. Physiotherapists continually upgrade their professional knowledge and skills to ensure that their contribution to the health care of patients is of the highest standard and excellence in practice is maintained. To meet the requirements of the Physiotherapy Professional Portfolio, students are required to submit a learning portfolio with evidence of having completed or attended professional development courses, workshops, hospital or clinical in-services, conferences, presentations, publications and/or research. Bonus points will be awarded for professional development activities within the specialist stream.

Subjects

List of Subjects for Postgraduate Certificates in Physiotherapy

Articulation to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework

The Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy articulates to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework. Applicants for the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework who have successfully completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy within the previous three (3) years, will be eligible to receive 25 points of credit towards their course (this is the maximum credit which can be granted).

Police Checks

Organisations who host clinical students require a police check regarding their suitability to undertake a placement. Therefore enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain, and pay for, a police check (name check) prior to commencing and during the physiotherapy course. Further information refer to the Faculty Police Check Policy.

Local students should print a copy of the "Consent to Check and Release National Police Record - Application Form" available from the Victoria Police website .
International students should obtain their police check from the country in which they have been resident for the previous 12 months.

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